France-Turkey relations sour as SDF gains French-linked drone bombers
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France's growing support for the SDF, including providing drone bombers, has escalated tensions with Turkey, which sees this as a direct obstacle to its military goals in Syria.
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In this Sept. 21, 2019, photo, released by the US Army, a US soldier oversees members of the Syrian Democratic Forces as they demolish a Kurdish fighters' fortification and raise a Tal Abyad Military Council flag over the outpost as part of the so-called "safe zone" near the Turkish border (US Army photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Goedl via AP)
Informed sources told Al Mayadeen on Sunday that "the French have increased their military and political presence in areas under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northeastern Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government."
"This move aims to mediate a truce between the Turkish-backed factions of the Syrian National Army (SNA) and the SDF, while also serving as leverage to push for the formation of an inclusive Syrian government representing all segments of Syrian society," the sources added.
"For the first time, the SDF announced its possession of drone bombers, believed to be of French origin, which were used in ongoing battles near the Tishrin Dam and Qaraqozak Bridge in northeastern rural Aleppo," the sources said.
The sources further explained that "Paris is working to integrate figures affiliated with the Syrian opposition into the political structure of the SDF, known as the Syrian Democratic Council, to give it a comprehensive Syrian identity, enabling it to effectively participate in the country's political life."
Turkey's Opposition to France's Moves
Ankara has expressed strong opposition to France's activities in the region, viewing them as a major obstacle to resolving the conflict militarily. According to the sources, Turkish officials believe French actions "constitute a direct challenge to Turkey's efforts to achieve a comprehensive military solution."
This position was reinforced by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who remarked, "Turkey does not see any role for French forces in Syria, and the US is the only party we communicate with."
Sources noted Ankara's sensitivity to France's increasing involvement in SDF-controlled areas, warning that it could bolster the SDF's military capabilities and create further obstacles for Turkey's plans to neutralize the SDF and Kurdish units in the region.
Concerns Over ISIS Prisons and Camps
Meanwhile, both Washington and Paris have raised concerns about the management of ISIS detention centers and camps in SDF-controlled territories.
The sources cautioned that a potential security collapse in these facilities could enable ISIS to regroup, exploiting vulnerabilities in Syria. These risks are compounded by the dissolution of Syria's security institutions, such as the police and army, after the fall of the Assad government.
Ankara has proposed that the new Syrian administration take over responsibility for these facilities, with Turkish soldiers assisting on the ground as a substitute for the SDF and US forces. However, these proposals have not gained traction. Turkey has also repeatedly called for the withdrawal of US forces from Syria to end support for Kurdish groups in the region.
Read more: SDF leader warns against US withdrawal from northeast Syria
Turkey's Expectations from the Trump Administration
Turkey is placing its hopes on the incoming administration of US President-elect Donald Trump, set to take office on January 20, to approve a large-scale military operation in Syria and Iraq. Ankara aims to eliminate the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and the SDF, even while leaving room for internal dialogue in both countries.
However, the sources highlighted Turkey's pessimism about achieving political solutions. They also noted that Ankara's ambitions face significant challenges, particularly as the US has increased its troop presence in Syria from 900 to over 2,000 soldiers, alongside growing French deployments. This reflects a US-French consensus on preventing ISIS from regrouping in the Syrian desert and threatening regional security.
Stalemate in Northeastern Syria
The sources explained that "Turkey views the recent developments and the arrival of a Syrian administration loyal to Ankara as a significant opportunity to dismantle the SDF, whose influence has grown over the past decade."
"Ankara will exert maximum pressure on the US and Western nations to resolve the issue of the SDF and self-administration, whether politically or militarily," the sources added.
Comprehensive negotiations may, however, be necessary. According to the sources, "It could take weeks or even months to navigate the complexities of this issue and reach agreements acceptable to all parties."
US Efforts to Deescalate Tensions
In an effort to "stabilize" the region, the US has reportedly increased its military activities. "US military movements, including the delivery of three batches of weapons and equipment to bases in eastern Syria, as well as the re-establishment of US presence through patrols and outposts in Raqqa and Ain al-Arab, reflect Washington's desire to end the ongoing military escalation in northern Syria," sources told Al Mayadeen.
"The [incoming] Trump administration will push to activate dialogue while pressuring both the SDF and Turkey to make concessions, leading to political and administrative agreements in coordination with the new Syrian administration," they added.
However, the sources warned that entrenched tensions and conflicting interests among various actors make the path to resolution highly challenging.
